N. Paul Rosman, MD

N. Paul Rosman, MD, is a giant in the Pediatrics world—an individual who has shaped the field of Pediatric Neurology and educated an impressive percentage of those in practice today. In 35 years of leading Pediatric Neurology programs, Dr. Rosman has trained more than 70 child neurologists, taught hundreds of medical students and treated thousands of patients.

A lifelong teacher, he has received dozens of honors and awards, including Boston University’s Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching, Tufts University’s Gellis Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Child Neurology Society’s Hower Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Child Neurology. In addition, Dr. Rosman has published more than 200 articles and textbook chapters.

In 2004, Dr. Rosman returned to Boston Medical Center after serving for 18 years as Chief of Pediatric Neurology at Tufts-New England Medical Center’s Floating Hospital for Children. His enthusiasm for his chosen field is stronger than ever. “I often tell young physicians that the only thing I can assure you if you decide to train as a child neurologist, you are commiting yourself to a lifetime of happiness.” says Dr. Rosman. “It is a fascinating and dynamic field, in which we are uniquely challenged because we are dealing with young developing brains. Happily, in the vast majority of cases, we can not only help the child, but we usually can help a great deal.”

Dr. Rosman’s medical philosophy is reflected in the title of a book he co-authored: Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry: Common Ground. “I believe these disciplines should collaborate rather than compete,” says Dr. Rosman. “It is only through seeking ‘common ground’ that our complementary specialties can best treat our patients.”

He is struck by recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric neurology disorders. “Through new technologies such as chromosome banding and FISH testing, we are now able to identify defects that explain why some children have developmental delays. “I can also point to several bright spots—epilepsy, autism and head trauma—where we have been able to offer our patients increasingly effective treatments,” says Dr. Rosman. This represents great progress.”

At Boston Medical Center, an institution he knows well from having served as Director of Pediatric Neurology from 1969 to 1986, Dr. Rosman is surrounded by respected colleagues. “The faculty is truly extraordinary,” he says. “There’s a great deal of collegiality. My highest recommendation is that any of my colleagues could care for any of my own children at any time.”

According to Karl Kuban, MD, Division Chief and Director of the residency program, Dr. Rosman is the star attraction. “Dr. Rosman is world-renowned and has given the most prestigious lectureship at the Childhood Neurology Society,” says Dr. Kuban. “Beyond that, he is a devoted teacher, clinician and humanitarian—a treasure to have as a member of our faculty.”

N. Paul Rosman, MD Academic Credentials page